The mid-range New Haven Village Suites has 112 reasonably priced suites, including Studios and One- and Two-Bedroom units with kitchens, and many with fireplaces. Free breakfast is served in a casual dining room, and there's an on-site market that's open 24/7. The property also includes a 24-hour business center, a clubhouse for meetings, and a small gym with cardio machines, along with free parking and Wi-Fi. Be aware that renovations on the exterior areas has been underway as of late 2015. The property is an eight- to 12-minute drive to Yale University, with free shuttle service provided. For swankier on-campus accommodations, travelers might want to compare rates with the Study at Yale.

Nestled in a tranquil marina overlooking the Connecticut River estuary, the upscale Saybrook Point Inn & Spa offers a good mix of amenities. A total of 96 charming rooms are divided between the main building and two graciously restored guest houses just down the street. There's also a Lighthouse Suite plus longer term vacation rentals available. The property is home to a popular seafood restaurant, a fitness club with indoor and outdoor pools, and an elegant spa. However, the hot tub and pools can get crowded as the club is open to the public, and the volume of weddings here can overwhelm the hotel. Perks include free parking and Wi-Fi. It's worth considering Madison Beach Hotel, a smaller boutique property with a beach, though rates are higher.

The 100-room Spa at Norwich Inn is an upper-middle-range colonial-style property on expansive grounds with gardens and pools. Traditionally decorated rooms feature mahogany beds and sitting areas, while some suites also have whirlpool tubs. Villas with kitchenettes and fireplaces are also available. Property features include an enormous spa, two tennis courts, and three pools, and a golf course is next door. There's also a modern gym with various classes such as meditation, yoga, and Pilates, but most incur a fee. Multiple meeting rooms and a ballroom make the property popular for events. The restaurant serves both healthy and classic comfort food and the pub offers weekly Ladies Night and live entertainment. It may be worth comparing prices at The Fox Tower, where the rooms have a more contemporary feel. 

Perched on the riverfront, the three-pearl Steamboat Inn is a charming property next to Mystic's historical drawbridge. The location offers boat slips and is within walking distance to downtown’s restaurants, galleries, and shops. Guests can also borrow bikes to explore on wheels. The 11 rooms are decorated in antique furnishings and feature lovely river views, and some have fireplaces or kitchenettes. A simple breakfast is provided for free, along with sherry and snacks in the evening. Parking and Wi-Fi are additional free perks. Guests may want to compare rates at the Whaler’s Inn, which has an on-site restaurant.

The 190-room Water's Edge Resort & Spa is a sprawling, upper-middle-range hotel complex on the Connecticut shoreline. Rooms are a mixed bag, some are traditional and a bit dated, while waterfront villas are modern and sharp -- some rooms feature fireplaces, kitchens, and terraces. One of the main draws here is the full-service spa, though reviews are mixed on services, and there's also a modern gym, a private beach, and indoor and outdoor pools. Extensive event spaces make the property popular for weddings, especially in spring and summer, which can result in crowds. Dining options include an upscale waterfront restaurant that serves weekend brunch and a more casual bistro and grill. It might pay to compare rates at The Spa at Norwich Inn, which is right next to a golf course.

The three-pearl Hyatt Mystic Place, off I-95 in scenic Mystic, has 79 guest rooms with separate sitting areas that include sofa beds, desks, wet bars, and mini-fridges -- but bathrooms are a bit small. Breakfast is included in the room rate, and there's a heated outdoor pool. Be aware that prices rise during summer tourist season. For a nearby alternative, travelers might want to compare rates with the Hampton Inn & Suites Mystic.

The Winvian is a romantic, upscale property set on 113 acres of countryside outside tiny Morris. Its 19 individually decorated cottages all have a feel of understated, rustic elegance with the convenience of modern amenities, including Bose surround systems, flat-screen TVs, and Nespresso coffeemakers. All units have working fireplaces, large bathrooms with separate walk-in showers and jetted tubs, and unique, mind-blowing design features; one cottage has a helicopter shell that doubles as a living room. The outstanding spa and the wonderful restaurant serving a tasty farm-to-table menu are just some of the highlights. But this kind of luxury doesn’t come cheap, and the themed decor might not be to everyone’s taste. Also, it’s very secluded, but that’s probably why most guests are looking to stay here.